Frustrated by years of waiting for a Constitutional Court decision, former workers from northern Montenegro staged a protest, demanding equal severance rights. They seek the same financial compensation already granted to employees in the mining-metal and wood-processing sectors, which has been delayed for over three years.
The protest comes after the workers submitted a request for constitutional review of the law governing financial support for employees in companies affected by bankruptcy. They argue that the law creates unequal treatment and violates citizens’ constitutional rights.
During a meeting with Constitutional Court President Snežana Armenko, the workers were assured that a decision on their initiative would be issued “soon,” though no specific timeline was given.
Representatives emphasized that their demand is not for special privileges but equal treatment for all former employees, including those from construction, textiles, footwear, and other industries. They warned that if a favorable decision is not reached, they may escalate protests in front of the Parliament and government.
The workers’ association USSCG has called on the government to pass legislation ensuring severance pay for all employees of state-owned companies affected by bankruptcy, in compliance with European Directive 2008/94/EC on the protection of employees in case of employer insolvency.
They highlight that recent laws granted compensation to the mining-metal and wood-processing sectors but left other groups unprotected, creating inequality and discrimination among workers.
